Let’s face it — creating standout advertising content on social media is no small feat. Platforms like Pinterest, Snapchat, and TikTok are more than just places to share photos and videos — they’re powerful tools for brand promotion, audience engagement, and driving traffic.

But here’s the thing: each platform has its own vibe, and what works on one might flop on another. Tailoring your content to fit each platform’s unique style and audience is key.

In this blog, we’ll dive into the design dos and don’ts for Pinterest, Snapchat, and TikTok. Whether you’re a seasoned designer or just starting out, these tips will help you create content that not only looks great but also boosts engagement.

Pinterest Design Dos and Don’ts

Do	Don’t
Use High-Quality Images: Make sure your images are crisp, clear, and eye-catching. Bright colors and high-resolution photos stand out in a user’s feed.	Go Crazy with Fonts: Stick to one or two fonts that complement each other. More than that can look messy.
Keep Text Short and Sweet: Stick to a few words or a simple phrase with clear, easy-to-read fonts.	Ignore Pinterest’s Guidelines: Follow Pinterest’s image size and content rules for ideal performance.
Go Vertical: Pins with a 2:3 aspect ratio (e.g., 1000×1500 pixels) are best. Taller pins stand out more and fit better with Pinterest’s layout.	Use Hard-to-Read Text: Make sure your text contrasts well with the background for easy readability.
Add a Touch of Branding: Include your logo or brand name subtly. It should be present but not overpower the main message.	Distract with Busy Backgrounds: Keep backgrounds simple to avoid overshadowing the main message or product.
Play with Bold Colors: Use contrasting colors to highlight key elements while staying true to your brand’s palette.	Forget About Mobile Users: Test your pins on mobile screens to ensure they look good on smaller devices.
Create a Visual Flow: Guide the viewer’s eyes with size, color, and placement of elements to emphasize key information.	Skip the Testing Phase: Test different designs to see what resonates with your audience and optimize based on performance data.
Throw in a CTA: Include a clear call to action like “Shop Now” or “Learn More” to encourage viewers to take the next step.
Show the Product in Action: Use lifestyle shots to help people envision using the product themselves.
Keep Your Design Consistent: Maintain the same style, colors, and fonts across all your pins for brand recognition.
Use Relevant Keywords: Ensure the text on your image matches your pin descriptions to improve searchability.

Pinterest Advertising

Snapchat Design Dos and Don’ts

Do	Don’t
Go Vertical: Use a 9:16 aspect ratio to make sure your content fits the screen perfectly.	Use Horizontal Content: Landscape content doesn’t fit well on Snapchat. Always use a 9:16 ratio.
Use Quality Visuals: Invest in clear, crisp visuals. Blurry or low-res content won’t hold attention.	Overcrowd with Text: Keep text minimal to avoid clutter and ensure readability.
Grab Attention Fast: Start with eye-catching visuals or bold text to capture viewers’ attention within the first few seconds.	Rely on Overly Polished Content: Snapchat prefers authentic content over slick, commercial-style ads. Aim for a genuine feel.
Keep it Short and Sweet: Aim for 5-10 seconds with big, bold fonts and concise text. Get to the point quickly.	Neglect Sound Quality: Ensure your audio is clear and high-quality to avoid detracting from the viewer’s experience.
Subtle Branding: Incorporate your logo or brand colors subtly to avoid overshadowing your content.	Ignore Branding Consistency: Maintain a consistent brand voice and style to avoid confusing viewers.
Add Some Sound: Apply music or sound effects that fit the mood and enhance your message.	Overuse Effects and Filters: Use effects and filters sparingly to enhance, not overwhelm, your content.
Throw in a Clear CTA: Use simple and direct calls to action like “Swipe Up” or “Tap to View” to guide viewers on what to do next.	Skip A/B Testing: Test different versions of your ads and use performance data to refine your approach.
Get Creative with Snapchat’s Tools: Utilize features like lenses, filters, and AI tools to make your ad more interactive and fun.

Snapchat Ads

TikTok Design Dos and Don’ts

Do	Don’t
Keep It Short and Snappy: Capture attention within the first few seconds and keep videos under 15-30 seconds.	Overproduce Content: Keep content authentic and avoid industry-based jargon.
Keep It Vertical: Stick to a 9:16 aspect ratio for full-screen vertical videos.	Use Long Intros: Get straight to the point to avoid losing viewers’ attention.
Show Your Personality: Let your brand’s personality shine through. Be authentic, relatable, and fun.	Ignore Trends: Stay on top of trends to keep your content relevant and engaging.
Use Trending Sounds and Effects: Incorporate popular sounds or effects to stay relevant and increase discoverability.	Use Too Much Text: Avoid cluttering the screen with text. Keep it minimal and easy to read.
Add Captions: Include captions to make your content accessible and ensure your message gets across even without sound.	Neglect Your Soundtrack: Ensure your audio is engaging and complements your content.
Experiment with Editing Tools: Use TikTok’s editing tools like filters, transitions, and effects to make your content stand out.	Repost Without Tweaks: Just because something killed it on Instagram doesn’t mean it’ll do the same on TikTok. Adjust your content to match TikTok’s style and audience.
Include a Call to Action: Encourage viewers to like, share, comment, or follow with a clear and simple CTA.	Be Monotone: Keep your content lively and engaging with dynamic visuals and upbeat music.
Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments, participate in duets, and encourage user-generated content to build a community around your brand.	Be Too Salesy: TikTok users are here for entertainment, not a sales pitch. Focus on storytelling rather than hard selling.
Use Hashtags Wisely: Gather a mix of popular, trending, and niche hashtags to boost visibility without overloading.	Skip Analyzing Performance: Regularly check your analytics to understand what works and refine your strategy.

TikTok Advertising Service

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Creating standout content for Pinterest, Snapchat, and TikTok doesn’t have to be a headache. With the right approach and understanding of each platform, you can craft visuals that not only look great, but also get results.

And if you could use some help, let’s talk. We’re here to help you make a splash online with the right digital advertising strategy for your business.

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